Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson, has called on the Government and CrossCountry trains to treat rail passengers in Cornwall fairly by matching the catering services provided on the rest of the route.

The current franchise agreement with CrossCountry trains, which runs trains from Penzance to Aberdeen, means that no catering facilities have to be provided on trains between Penzance and Plymouth.

The Government said that it has “no plans to amend the terms of the Franchise Agreement to include a requirement to provide catering facilities between Penzance and Plymouth.”

Transport ministers also claimed that the decision to only provide catering services from Plymouth Northwards was “based upon market research conducted by the successful bidder.”

The answer was revealed as part of a written Parliamentary Question Mr Rogerson asked the Transport minister, Chris Mole.

Commenting Dan Rogerson MP said:

“The notion that passengers travelling between Penzance and Plymouth do not need or want catering facilities is ludicrous. Many of my constituents regularly use these train services and the lack of catering services is immensely frustrating.

“The journey between Penzance and Plymouth takes around 2 hours which is a long period of time to go without any access to food or drink. The Government and CrossCountry should not be neglecting passengers in Cornwall. They should treat all passengers throughout the country equally.

“Without making rail a more attractive and accessible option the Government’s claims to be committed to getting people out of their cars and on to public transport must be questioned.”

Note:

The original Written Parliamentary Question can be found online here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091201/text/91201w0001.htm#09120157000037